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Blue Dream Shrimp: A Vibrant And Hardy Addition To Your Aquarium  

Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are a popular freshwater invertebrate cherished for their stunning, deep blue color. Originating from Eastern China and Taiwan, they are a hardy variant, making their care manageable for aquarists of all skill levels. These peaceful omnivores are effective tank cleaners, constantly grazing on algae and biofilm. With proper care, these resilient shrimp can live for 1-2 years.

Quick Facts & Care Information

Optimal Water Parameters

Stable water parameters are crucial for the health and vibrant coloration of Blue Dream Shrimp. While they are tolerant, consistency is key. Regular water testing is essential to monitor their environment.

Appearance

Blue Dream Shrimp have a dark blueish-transparent body. The intensity of the blue color can vary, with some shrimp being so dark they almost appear black, while others may have more muted colors.

Natural Habitat

The Blue Dream Shrimp is a result of selective breeding from the Neocaridina davidi species, which is native to Taiwan. As a product of intentional human intervention, they do not have a distinct natural habitat. To thrive, they require an aquarium environment that closely mimics the freshwater conditions of their ancestors.

Quality of Care

While these shrimp are known for being a hardy species, the quality of care provided has a major impact on their livelihood. Hobbyists can expect a lifespan of around 1 to 2 years with Blue Dream Shrimp. The good news is that these shrimp are easy to care for and require minimal freshwater aquarium maintenance and general care to grow and breed.

Testing aquarium water ensures a healthy shrimp environment

Blue Dream Shrimp Tank Setup & Care Guide

Creating the perfect blue dream shrimp tank environment is fundamental to their health and breeding success. This section of our blue dream shrimp care guide details the essential equipment and setup for a thriving colony.

Choosing The Right Blue Dream Shrimp Aquarium

A minimum tank size of 5-10 gallons is recommended for a blue dream shrimp aquarium. However, a larger tank of 20+ gallons offers greater stability, diluting toxins and preventing overcrowding as the colony grows. Stability is the key to long-term success.

Essential Filtration For Your Blue Dream Shrimp Tank

Gentle filtration is vital for a healthy blue dream shrimp tank. Sponge filters are the safest option, as they prevent tiny shrimplets from being sucked in. If using a hang-on-back (HOB) filter, its intake must be covered with a pre-filter sponge. A low-flow environment minimizes stress and allows for easy foraging.

The Role Of Air Pumps

Air pumps are not mandatory unless you are using a sponge filter. However, they are useful in larger or densely planted tanks to maintain consistent oxygen flow. High-powered pumps can create strong currents that stress the shrimp. Always opt for a low-powered pump to ensure adequate oxygen levels with a calm water flow.

Creating The Ideal Habitat And Substrate

A planted setup is ideal for blue dream shrimp care. Live plants, driftwood, and botanicals offer essential hiding places, especially during molting, and encourage the growth of biofilm and algae as natural food sources. Specialized shrimp soils can also help buffer pH and maintain stable water chemistry.

A lush planted aquarium provides the perfect shrimp habitat

Lighting For Blue Dream Shrimp Tanks

While blue dream shrimp do not need intense lighting, aquatic plants do. Adjustable LED lights are an excellent choice for controlling brightness and duration to promote plant growth without causing algae blooms. A lighting period of 6–8 hours per day is sufficient for most planted tanks.

Other Essential Equipment For Blue Dream Shrimp Care

Specialized tools are essential for monitoring and maintaining precise water conditions for a thriving colony.

GH/KH Test Kits

These kits are critical for monitoring General Hardness (GH) and Carbonate Hardness (KH). Correct hardness levels are vital for proper molting and shell development, and regular testing helps prevent fatal molting issues.

Tds Pen

A Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) pen quickly measures all dissolved minerals in the water. Monitoring TDS is key for tracking water quality, as fluctuations can stress blue dream shrimp.

Shrimp Salt For Remineralization

Shrimp salt is used to remineralize reverse osmosis (RO) or soft water. It allows you to precisely achieve ideal GH, KH, and TDS levels, mimicking their natural habitat and supporting long-term health.

Adding shrimp salt helps remineralize pure RO water for aquariums

Aquarium Lid Or Cover

An aquarium lid prevents shrimp from jumping out, which can happen with sudden environmental changes. It also reduces water evaporation and helps maintain stable water temperatures in the blue dream shrimp tank.

Feeding Your Blue Dream Shrimp: A Comprehensive Diet

Blue Dream Shrimp are omnivorous scavengers that naturally eat biofilm and algae. However, this is often not enough for a large colony, so supplementing their diet is essential for their health and color, a key part of blue dream shrimp care.

• Staple Diet: High-quality shrimp pellets or powdered foods provide balanced nutrition.

• Treats: Offer blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini sparingly.

• Natural Grazing: Indian almond leaves and botanicals break down to provide continuous food surfaces.

Avoid overfeeding; only provide what shrimp can eat in two hours. Promptly remove uneaten food to maintain water quality, a critical rule in any blue dream shrimp care guide.

Successful Blue Dream Shrimp Breeding

Blue Dream Shrimp breed prolifically in stable, ideal water conditions with minimal intervention. To encourage this, maintain a pH of 6.5–8 and a temperature range of 71–90°F (22–32°C).

A mature female will develop a yellow "saddle" on the back of her head, which contains undeveloped eggs. After fertilization, she carries the eggs in the swimmerets on her abdomen for about 30 days, after which they hatch into fully formed miniature shrimp.

For successful breeding, start with a colony of at least 10-20 shrimp to ensure genetic diversity. It is essential to provide dense hiding spots for newborn shrimplets to protect them from predators. Plants like Subwassertang Moss, Anubias, and Java Fern provide excellent cover.

When females are carrying eggs, do not disturb the tank too often. Limit water changes and do not make any new additions to the tank to avoid causing stress, which could lead to the female dropping her eggs.

Blue Dream Shrimp Compatible Tank Mates

Choosing the right tank mates is crucial for your shrimp colony's safety. The rule for blue dream shrimp care is simple: if a fish can fit a shrimp in its mouth, it will try to eat it. Select small, peaceful species for your blue dream shrimp tank.

Recommended Tank Mates For Blue Dream Shrimp

• Other Neocaridina Shrimp: Cherry Shrimp and Yellow Shrimp are compatible but will interbreed, potentially resulting in wild-colored offspring.

• Peaceful Invertebrates: Amano, Bamboo Shrimp, and Ghost Shrimp, along with Mystery, Nerite, and Ramshorn snails, are excellent companions.

• Small, Peaceful Fish: Otocinclus Catfish, Pygmy Corydoras, Chili Rasboras, and Ember Tetras are safe choices as they rarely bother shrimp.

Tank Mates To Avoid With Blue Dream Shrimp

• Aggressive Fish like Betta Fish: Natural predators that will hunt and eat shrimp.

• Angelfish: Grow large and are opportunistic feeders.

• Cichlids: Most species are aggressive and territorial.

• Guppies, Swordtails, Danios: These fish and guppies are often too active, large, or boisterous, which can stress or harm shrimp.

Recommended Aquarium Plants For Your Blue Dream Shrimp Tank

Live plants are essential in a blue dream shrimp tank, offering shelter, improving water quality, and providing grazing surfaces. Integrating them is a key component of successful blue dream shrimp care.

• Popular Mosses: Java Moss and Christmas Moss form dense thickets, creating crucial hiding and foraging areas for shrimplets.

• Low-Light Plants like Anubias: Hardy plants with broad leaves that provide excellent cover and grazing surfaces.

• Hardy Java Fern: An adaptable plant that offers great shelter for shrimp.

• Cryptocoryne Species: Forms dense foliage for shrimp to hide and explore.

• Amazon Sword: A great centerpiece for larger tanks, its broad leaves offer extensive cover but it requires a nutrient-rich substrate.

Java moss offers a perfect foraging ground for baby shrimp

Common Blue Dream Shrimp Health Issues And Prevention

Healthy Blue Dream Shrimp depend on a clean, stable environment. The most common health issue is molting failure, caused by inconsistent General Hardness (GH) and Carbonate Hardness (KH). Regular monitoring with GH/KH test kits and a TDS pen is essential for proper shell development.

Poor water quality can also lead to bacterial infections. Prevent this with consistent water changes, avoiding overfeeding, and maintaining a fully cycled blue dream shrimp aquarium. Proper blue dream neocaridina shrimp care, including choosing safe tank mates, minimizes stress and ensures a thriving colony.

Frequently Asked Questions 

This section provides direct answers to common questions about blue dream shrimp care.

Can Blue Dream Shrimp Live With Betta Fish?

No. Betta fish are natural predators and will likely hunt and eat your shrimp. It is not recommended to house them together.

How Many Blue Dream Shrimp Can I Keep Per Gallon?

A good rule is 5-10 shrimp per gallon. Beginners should start with a 10-gallon or larger blue dream shrimp tank for greater water stability.

What Is The Difference Between Blue Dream And Blue Velvet Shrimp?

Both are Neocaridina davidi. Blue Dream Shrimp have a deep, solid royal blue color, while Blue Velvet Shrimp have a lighter, more translucent sky-blue hue.

Blue Dream and Blue Velvet shrimp show different shades of blue

Are Blue Dream Shrimp Neocaridina Species?

Yes, Blue Dream Shrimp are Neocaridina davidi. They are a popular and resilient color morph, making them ideal for both new and experienced aquarists.

Mastering blue dream shrimp care transforms any aquarium into a vibrant ecosystem. Success relies on stable water parameters, a well-equipped blue dream shrimp tank, and a balanced diet. Their resilience and prolific breeding make them a rewarding choice for any aquarist. By following this guide, you can foster a thriving colony for years. For high-quality Blue Dream Shrimp and essential supplies, Betta USA Aquatic offers 20 years of expertise to support your journey.

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